Security Guard Training: How to Get Certified and Level Up Your Security Services Today

Security guards are crime prevention specialists with the tenth fastest-growing job position in the United States. Similar to people who work in law enforcement, such as police officers, you’ll need to undergo proper training to do the job.

There are plenty of ways to break into this high-demand industry. Online, in-person, and specialized security guard training programs offer flexible pathways for those who wish to work in public safety.

Whether you’re an aspiring security guard or a seasoned professional who just wants to update your credentials, here’s what you need to do to become certified and level up your security skills.

How to Get Proper Security Guard Training

Every state has different licensing and certification requirements for security officers, but most states are consistent when it comes to standard requirements.

To start, you must meet basic eligibility requirements, such as:

• Being at least 18 years old
• Having a high school diploma or GED
• Having a clean criminal record with no felonies or violent convictions

If you meet the basic requirements, most states will also require you to:

• Pass a background check
• Complete a security guard training course(s)
• Pass a written test
• Apply for the security license or required certification in your state

Register for Security Guard Training Classes

So, what’s the first step to becoming a security guard?

The answer is registering for a training course. However, keep in mind that state training requirements can vary.

Some states don’t require you to take an official course to work as an unarmed security guard. Instead, you can be hired by a professional security company and undergo an on-the-job training course for security guards. As long as your employer has a valid state security license, they can oversee your certification.

By contrast, other states will expect you to take an 8-hour pre-assignment training course. This provides a general introduction to what you need to know to work in security.

Certain states may require unarmed guards to complete anywhere from 16 to 40 hours of education. Some may even mandate additional on-the-job training or continuing education every year.

To work as an armed security guard, you’ll need firearms training from a certified instructor. Most states will also require you to take firearms safety and operation classes.

Learn more about your state’s training requirements by visiting your state.gov website. You can also review this quick guide to security guard license requirements in all 50 states.

Online Security Guard Training Courses

Some states, such as California, require you to take 40 hours of security guard training. Expect to take courses in:

• The powers of arrest
• The liability and legal aspects of working as a guard
• Weapons of mass destruction and terrorism awareness
• Observation and documentation of incidents

If you live in a state that allows you to get your certification from an online security guard training school, it’s worth looking into one of the following options:

• National Investigative Training Academy
• Top Gun Security Training
• Academy of Personal Protection and Security
• AEGIS Security & Investigations

In-Person Courses

You can find a list of in-person security training programs here.

If you’re looking to become a licensed and certified armed guard, you’ll also need to enroll in an in-person firearms training program. That applies even if you do your unarmed training online.

Related: How to Get Your California Guard Card

What Type of Hard and Soft Skills Do Security Guards Need?

Like most jobs, people who want to work in public safety or private security will need a mix of hard (technical) skills and soft (interpersonal) skills to do the job well.

Hard Skills for Security Guards

Here are the technical skills every security officer needs to have:

• Observational skills: The key responsibilities of a security guard include knowing how to detect potential threats and suspicious activity, always maintaining situational awareness, and documenting incidents and events based on those observations.
• Technical expertise: Technical expertise is a must-have for guards who maintain or monitor surveillance systems, CCTV cameras, security alarm systems, metal detectors, and access control systems.
• First aid and CPR skills: Security guards must jump into action in emergency situations, so it’s important to know how to perform CPR, how to use an AED defibrillator device, and other basic life-saving measures.
• Firearms expertise: For armed guards licensed to carry a weapon, firearms expertise isn’t only a necessary skill — it’s required by law.
• Crowd control skills: Security officers must know use of force regulations, how to manage large crowds, and how to assist with emergency evacuation procedures in different scenarios and locations.
• Physical skills: Security professionals must maintain physical fitness as well as learn how to use defensive techniques to protect themselves and others.

Soft Skills for Security Guards

Because security guards need to be able to detect and deescalate threats, it’s important to have certain interpersonal or “soft” skills to perform the job well.

Key soft skills for security officers include:

• Communication skills: High-quality speaking, writing, and listening skills are essential for conflict resolution and de-escalating situations.
• Problem-solving skills: It’s important for security professionals to know how to pivot during a dangerous incident and quickly turn their attention to and from security breaches and emergency situations.
• Teamwork skills: Most security guards work in teams, so they need to know how to work and communicate effectively with other security personnel. Teamwork is also necessary to understand and comply with the chain of command.

You Might Like: What Are the Different Types of Security Guards?

How Security Companies Can Level Up Existing Guards

If you run a professional security company, you already know you need guards with up-to-date skills and knowledge of the latest security advancements.

To build strong teams, reduce turnover, and encourage employees to advance their careers in the security industry, make sure you’re giving your guards opportunities to undergo specialized training.

Specialized training for security guards includes, but is not limited to:

• Firearms handling
• K9 handling
• CCTV monitoring
• Fire watch protection
• Bodyguard services

The more specialized guards you have on your team, the more poised you’ll be to accept clients with more specific security needs. In other words, it’s a great way to win more security contracts.

You can also level your security guards’ skills by creating a mentorship program. Encouraging more experienced security guards to mentor entry-level guards is an excellent way to help novices develop their skill set.

Becoming a security guard can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on your state’s licensing requirements.

Proper training is essential — not only for your own safety, but for the safety of the people you’ll be hired to protect. Ongoing training is also necessary if you want to stay at the top of your game and advance your career.

To learn more about the industry and the different types of security guards that you can train to be, visit Security Explorer now.

Up Next: The Ultimate Guide to Hiring Residential Security Guard Services in California